After a lengthy battle, a stubborn wildfire in Gravenhurst, Ont., has been declared extinguished. Officials say an unattended cooking fire in a wooded area caused the spreading flames that has kept crews busy since Monday.
Deputy Fire Chief Todd Clapp said the fire was reported by a nearby resident Monday afternoon. By that evening, crews had managed to contain the flames, but continued to battle hot spots throughout the next few days.
The wildfire covers roughly 3.25 hectares of forested land, located north of Beiers Road. Clapp said the terrain has made firefighting efforts especially challenging. “The terrain is vast, dry, and remote,” adding firefighters have had to work on foot because the conditions prevented the use of all-terrain vehicles.
Despite the difficulties, officials confirmed there has been no threat to any homes or buildings. Firefighters from neighbouring townships provided assistance, along with water bombers making eight drops.
“We’ve had terrific support throughout this incident, and I want to commend everyone involved,” Clapp said.
Clapp said the investigation is ongoing, with no further details about the cause being released at this time.
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